Sailing with Virgin Voyages is simply a different cruising experience. When Virgin Voyages says they are “reimagining cruising”, it means it’s time to reset our expectations and frankly, expect something fresh, unique and NON traditional.
It’s no surprise that people who are considering (or booking to) a sailing with Virgin Voyages have A LOT of questions. Find the top questions asked!
22. Is it a swingers cruise?
One of the most intriguing and frequently asked questions about Virgin Voyages is: “Is it a Swinger’s cruise?”. My guess is something went viral somewhere and that suddenly became what people thought of or saw the most about Virgin Voyages.
While swingers “exist”, just like people who prefer oat milk instead of half of half in their coffee “exist”, this is not a cruise that is per-se “for swingers”.
21. Is the food really that good?
Absolutely. The food on Virgin Voyages is exceptional. If you’re someone who relishes dining in cities like LA, San Francisco, New York City, and Miami, you’ll find that the culinary experiences on Virgin Voyages are on par with these locales. The cruise line truly offers an elevated dining experience.
With over 20 eateries on board, there’s a vast array of choices to satisfy every palate. Additionally, all the restaurants are included in the cruise price, allowing for an all-inclusive dining experience. This means you can indulge in as many meals as you desire without any additional costs.
Not only is the food quality top-notch, but the value is also remarkable, especially since it’s all part of your cruise package. Check out the video below for more info on food!
20. Is it expensive and what’s included?
Virgin Voyages offers a pricing structure that, contrary to some expectations, isn’t more expensive than other cruise lines. In fact, it’s quite competitive and on par with many other options out there.
Here’s what’s included in the price when you embark on Virgin Voyages:
- Food: All meals from the cruise line’s array of over 20 eateries are included. This means you don’t have any extra cost for specialty restaurants.
- Gratuities: All gratuities are included in the cruise price, although many travelers, acknowledging the high level of service, still choose to give additional appreciation to the staff.
- Wi-Fi: Unique to Virgin Voyages, Wi-Fi is included in the cruise price. The connection is notably fast and reliable. However, if you need a connection robust enough for high-quality video meetings, there’s a premium option available at an average cost of around $10 per day. This rate is quite competitive when compared to other cruise lines.
- Workouts: All workout sessions on the cruise are covered in your ticket price.
- Regular Drinks: This encompasses basics like drip coffee, water (with fill stations throughout the ship), tea, regular juice, and sodas. For those who stay in their rooms, water crafts are provided, and housekeeping will readily replenish your supply.
While Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a drink package, the prices for individual drinks are reasonable. For instance, wines are usually priced between $9 and $11, beers around $5-7, and premium drinks like whiskies or select tequilas are also available at competitive rates.
So, while assessing the value, it’s clear that Virgin Voyages offers a comprehensive package with many inclusions that might come as additional costs on other cruise lines.
Tbh, not everyone wants to share how much they paid. So given that.. here’s how much I paid.
How much does sailing with Virgin Voyages vs. another popular cruise line cost? Below is an example of two sailings I took…
19. What is NOT included in the price?
Booze.
And upgraded food items (I mean, freshly shaved truffles on your pasta wasn’t free the first (or last) time I checked ANYWHERE in life). Or seafood towers (which are amazing).
And excursions. And shopping. The obvious things. I know, weird right? They don’t massage you for free? No. No, they don’t.
Want to figure out how much you’ll spend on booze? This video will help you.
18. Is it actually adults only?
Yes, Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise. This means there are no kids on the boat. Being an adults-only cruise allows for specific entertainment tailored to adults. However, “adults only” on this cruise refers to individuals who are 18 and up, not necessarily 21 and up.
17. Is Virgin Voyages a good cruise line?
Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience that differs from other cruise lines. In the provided opinion, it’s worth trying at least once to experience “sailing the Virgin way.”
However, while it is recommended to be experienced by everyone, it might not be suitable for all. Virgin Voyages is distinct, and whether it’s a good fit depends on individual preferences. The cruise line has various entertainment options, from unique shows to music, and is noted for its high-quality offerings. Potential travelers can find more detailed information and considerations on the Virgin Voyages homepage to determine if it aligns with their preferences.
One key thing to note: Virgin Voyages is not for everyone
Consider checking out the blog post about why by clicking here or watch the full video about it by clicking here.
16. Is it too risqué?
No, it’s not too risqué. The cruise can be enjoyed as a family affair, indicating it’s suitable for various audiences, including (my) parents (who are actually, really awesome people!).
15. Is the entertainment any good?
Yes, the entertainment on Virgin Voyages is good. It’s also different.
The music on board features talented artists, musicians, and singers. The entertainment varies, from unique offerings like drag queen bingo, which is fun and engaging, to other performances showcasing acrobatics, dancing, and singing shows.
The range of entertainment is diverse and caters to different tastes. Additionally, the cruise often brings in different DJs, ensuring a variety of musical experiences on board.
14. Will I be bored?
It’s unlikely that you will be bored on the ship. There are numerous activities available throughout the day. One person mentioned that there were 40 options for activities available before 6:00 p.m.
These activities range from workouts like boy band dance classes and dodgeball to various fitness activities. All fitness-related activities are included in the Virgin voyages cruising price.
Apart from these, there are trivia sessions, and classes such as “rice rice baby” for sushi-making and coffee-making. Some classes might have additional minimal costs, but many are free. There are both free and paid activities available, catering to various interests and preferences.
13. Do I need formal outfits?
No, you don’t need to pack any formal or fancy clothing for the cruise. The cruise’s atmosphere is more fun than formal.
For themed entertainment and party nights like “Scarlet night,” attendees are encouraged to wear red, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. For instance, a red t-shirt from Walmart with a clip-on bow tie would suffice.
There are also other themed parties like a pajama party, but participation in these themes is optional. You should wear whatever makes you comfortable. While you can dress up if you choose to, it’s not a requirement.
Do consider a helpful (and free!) packing checklist. Read the full blog post by clicking here or see the full video by clicking here.
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.
12. What can I use sailor loot on?
Sailor loot is more versatile than one might initially think. While some believe it’s only applicable to alcohol and specialty drinks, its actual use extends much further. Specifically, sailor loot can be used:
- On excursions, referred to as “shore things” when at port, through Virgin voyages.
- For food upgrades. While all food is generally included in the cruise cost, if you’re looking for specific delicacies such as freshly shaved truffles on your pasta at Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant, wagyu beef at Gun Bay, or the Seafood Tower at The Wake, sailor loot can cover these extras.
- At High Street, a shopping area on the cruise where various items can be purchased.
- At the spa, specifically recommended is the thermal suite.
- Additionally, there are ways to get free sailor loot, which can be applied in the same manner.
Read more on the Virgin Voyages website.
Remember, the best kind of sailor loot is free sailor loot, which you can get a TON of by booking with a travel agent. I encourage people to use Sea Sun Vacations to get a free no-stings-attached quote.
11. How do I book my entertainment, shows etc?
- Use the Virgin Voyages App: All bookings for entertainment, shows, and dining are managed through the app on your phone.
- Booking Dining: It’s recommended to book your dining 45 days before your sailing. Set a reminder on your calendar to avoid forgetting.
- Booking Upon Arrival: Once you arrive at the port and connect to Virgin Voyages’ free and included Wi-Fi, you can use the app to book the rest of your activities. As a tip, as soon as you’re at the port waiting to embark, start using the app to make these bookings.
Want to SEE this blog post with more helpful tips? Check out the full video!
10. What happened to Bar Tab? Is it going away?!
Bar Tab has… gone away!
If you already purchased it for a future sailing… nooooo…. you’re not gonna lose it. But eventually it will be phased out (where you can no longer buy in advance).
What happens instead? ONLY Sailor Loot (on board credit). Learn more about that by reading this blog post.
9. Is sailing alone fun?
- Accommodation Options: They offer “solo sailor insider” rooms which are a great option if you are a single person. These rooms are smaller and provide an economic option for solo travelers. You also have the option to upgrade your room if you wish.
- Daily Meetups and Events: Virgin Voyages organizes daily meetups and events specially designed for solo sailors, facilitating opportunities to meet other people easily.
- Mobile App Features: The mobile app used for various bookings on the cruise also enables you to link up with other sailors, inviting each other to dine or attend entertainment and shows together, enhancing the solo sailing experience.
- Group Experiences: The cruise offers experiences such as dining at Gun Bay where you can sit in a group with other sailors, possibly playing drinking games over dinner, providing a fun way to connect with others.
- Online Communities: If you feel anxious about sailing alone, you can connect with other solo sailors before your trip through Reddit forums and Facebook groups organized by sailing and sale dates, allowing you to make friends before you even start your journey.
Therefore, solo sailing can not only be fun but a great opportunity to meet new people and have unique experiences.
I LOVED cruising alone on Virgin Voyages! Read more about it here!
8. What is there to do in Bimini in the Bahamas?
In Bimini, Bahamas, there are various activities and places to visit:
- Beach Club: Once you arrive in Bimini, you can take the free tram to the Beach Club, which is a popular destination for many visitors. It’s described as fantastic, with further details available in the full video.
- Explore the Island: The tram has a stop where you can rent a golf cart, boat, or jet ski to explore the island on your own.
- Hilton Resorts World: If you’re interested in gambling or simply want to spend your day at a resort, the tram will take you to Hilton Resorts World.
- Tours: Bimini offers various tours. You can book these through Virgin Voyages or independently. Some of the top-rated ones can be found by clicking here, but they give a chance to explore more of what the island offers.
- Natural Beauty: Bimini is highlighted as a beautiful destination, making it a picturesque place to relax and enjoy.
These options give visitors a range of activities to enjoy during their stay in Bimini.
7. Should I get a room with a balcony?
When considering whether to get a room with a balcony, take into account the following points:
- Popularity: The majority of the rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises are balcony rooms, with over 80% of them offering this feature.
- Comfort and Experience: The rooms are described as exceptionally comfortable. Spending time on the balcony can greatly enhance your cruising experience. The person speaking in the transcript admitted to being surprised by how much time they spent in their room, specifically enjoying the balcony.
- Preference: The individual expressed a preference for having a balcony due to the comfort and views it provided.
6. Are the rooms nice?
The rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises are described as exceptionally comfortable, with a significant majority being balcony rooms.
In fact, over 80% of the rooms have balconies. The individual in the transcript mentioned being genuinely surprised by the amount of time they spent in their room, suggesting that the rooms are conducive to relaxation and enjoyment.
Additionally, the rooms have modern decor and offer conveniences such as in-room water (both still and sparkling) that can be requested through a tablet system in the room.
The room attendant checks in with guests regarding their preferences and ensures their needs are met. Furthermore, the rooms are described as being quiet due to effective soundproofing.
5. Can I have two people in a room but not the same bed?
Yes, you can have two people in a room without sharing the same bed. The rooms on the Virgin Voyage cruises can have different configurations.
If you’re traveling with someone who is not a significant other and you don’t want to share a bed, there are ways that the room can be configured by the staff to accommodate your preferences.
4. Are the rooms noisy?
The rooms on the Virgin Voyage cruises are not loud. They have really good soundproofing, so disturbances from external noise are minimal.
Even with the entertainment and glamorous nighttime parties on board, the inside of the rooms remains quite quiet.
3. Should I upgrade my room to rockstar rooms?
Deciding to upgrade to the Rockstar rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises depends on your personal preferences. Consider two main points:
- Space and Comfort: If you value having more space to move around and spend time in your room, then upgrading to one of the bigger rooms or suites might be a good fit for you. While the current standard rooms are comfortable, they are not overly spacious.
- Rockstar Status Benefits: Upgrading to a Rockstar Suite, which is larger than the standard Terrace rooms, gives you Rockstar status. This status provides access to exclusive amenities and events, such as Richard’s Rooftop, where there’s a daily cocktail party. Additionally, having this status allows you to enjoy certain privileges, enhancing your overall cruise experience.
If these considerations align with what you’re looking for, then upgrading to a Rockstar room might be worthwhile.
2. Is it just a bunch of young people?
No, the cruise is not just for young people. While there might be a perception that it’s primarily for Millennials or Gen Z, in reality, the average age of passengers ranges between 30 and 60.
Based on the given experience from the last three sailings, many people were celebrating their 40th birthdays, and a significant number of passengers were in their mid-50s and 60s.
1. How can I get a good deal on Virgin Voyages?
To get the best deal on Virgin Voyages, while there are various methods to save on a cruise, it’s recommended to explore deals that might not be commonly known or accessible to everyone. Specifically, I had no idea that travel agents DO have access to exclusive deals that we simply don’t get as everyday travelers. I booked my last sailings through Sea Sun Vacations. Consider getting a no-strings-attached-quote by clicking here.
Bottom Line
If you’ve skimmed to the end of our FAQ guide for Virgin Voyages, here’s a quick recap:
Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience distinct from traditional ports, prioritizing your comfort with amenities like a free tram for transportation and over 80% of their rooms boasting balconies.
Entertainment isn’t just for the younger crowd; guests range in age from 30 to 60, ensuring a balanced vibe for all. The ship isn’t just a “party cruise”—it offers quiet, soundproofed rooms and diverse entertainment options.
Additionally, there’s a chance to elevate your experience with Rockstar status, granting access to exclusive events and areas on the ship. If cost is a concern, we’ve touched upon tips for snagging the best deals. Virgin Voyages is redefining the cruise experience, and this guide is here to help you navigate it.
Don’t forget there is a video version of this blog post with more helpful tips!
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